Notebook Wireless and Networking

Hello all. Like so many of you, I got a new computer and I could not get my computer to connect to my wireless router. I tried so many things and finally this one worked so I thought I would share it with you. I also wanted to point out that this should work for any computer with a Ralink WiFi adapter that is having issues connecting wether the connection is slow, constantly dropping or not working at all even though the computer is in the same room as the router and other devices are connecting just fine. (In case you are wondering, in my situation I am using a HP Envy DV6 with windows 8 and ralink RT5390r WiFi adapter, but again this should work for any computer with a Ralink adapter.)

STEP 1:
First check to see if you have a Ralink WiFi adapter and get your model number.
If you don't know how, do the following steps:

-For windows 7: Start menu > control panel > Device Manager > Press the arrow next to "Network Adapters" > look for Ralink and write down the model number (for example my model number is RT5390R) the other 802.11bgn WiFi Adapter (or similar) part is not important.

-For Windows 8: move the cursor to the right hand corner of the screen > when the panel shows up, click "Search", Type: Control Panel > Click the control panel option > Device Manager > Press the arrow next to "Network Adapters" > look for Ralink and write down the model number (for example my model number is RT5390R) the other 802.11bgn WiFi Adapter (or similar) part is not important.

*If you do not see Ralink Wifi adapter, then check the manufactuer website of the wireless or wifi adapter that you do have installed for support on this issue. The following steps will not help you unless you have a Ralink installed.

**If you do not have any wireless or wifi adapter listed, then you do not have them installed. You can try the steps below, but chances are that either the computer did not come with one OR is incorrectly installed. Any computer repair store should be able to fix that for you or if it is under warranty, you can send it in.

STEP 2:
Next, you will need to either plug your compluter directly to the router using a network cable or get on another computer to download and note that if you use another computer you will need a usb flash drive or some other media to transfer the downloaded file.

Go to this link: http://www.ralinktech.com/en/04_support/support.php?sn=500 

Under the part number column, look for your model number and click on it. (note that if you see an 'x' that means all versions. For example my model number is RT5390r, so I downloaded the one that said

PCI/mPCI/CB(RT2860/RT2760/RT2890/RT2790/RT306X/RT309X/RT35X2/RT539X) because it had RT539X, where the X stands for all versions. Follow the on screen instruction download. When complete, you will find the file in your downloads folder.

STEP 3 (optional):
At this point, I set myself up a restore point, just incase. You can do this if you want or not since it is not working anyways.  You can find the restore point under control panel > recovery and follow on screen instructions.

STEP 4:
Run (Double click) the file that you downloaded from the Ralink website. If you get a popup asking "do you want to allow the following program to make changes" click yes. It may say "A previous version is found...", click remove all. Once it is done, click finish or close window.

STEP 5:
Restart your computer

STEP 6: 
Run (Double click) the file that you downloaded from the Ralink website again. This time install BOTH the software and driver. After this completes, you should be able to connect to your network. If you are still having issues, try restarting.

CONCLUSION:
I tried so many things including going into my router and changing the channel to 11, updating the old driver, disonnecting and restaring everything and the only thing that worked was the steps above. The problem is a software/driver issue from Ralink. If this doesn't work, then I am certain that you have a bad wifi adapter and it needs to be replaced. If you are out of warranty OR don't want to take the time and money to fix, then you can also just buy and external usb wifi adapter for around $30 to $50 from new egg, Frys, best buy or other computer stores.

Good Luck!